A radio ad released this week urges Northern British Columbian residents to ask their government to protect BC’s pristine north coast with a permanent tanker ban.

Featuring the sounds of orcas, seabirds and wild salmon, the ad juxtaposes the lively sounds of BC’s wild coast against the eerie sound of silence that would come if an oil spill were to occur. It’s the latest development in a ForestEthics campaign asking British Columbians to call on their local Members of Parliament for a permanent tanker ban from BC’s pristine north coast.

The ad, which directs listeners to petitions on TarSandsFreeCoast.ca, will run on radio stations around Northern BC over the next month.

“Do we want our rich coastal wildlife silenced by an oil spill? It’s a sobering reminder of how much we stand to lose if our government allows oil tankers into our northern waters,” said Jolan Bailey, Climate Outreach Coordinator for ForestEthics.

The federal government is considering a proposal for the controversial Enbridge pipeline project that would bring more than 200 oil tankers to BC’s north coast each year. The project faces strong opposition across BC – including a tanker ban announced by Coastal First Nations in March. Polls also show that 7 out of 10 British Columbians already oppose tanker traffic in BC’s northern waters.

“Enbridge is promising the best in modern technology, just like BP did with the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that is having tragic consequences,” said Nikki Skuce, Senior Energy Campaigner. “The only guarantee against an oil spill is a permanent ban on their ability to navigate our pristine coastal environment along the Great Bear Rainforest.”

The Federal Liberal Party has recently stated that they support enacting the existing moratorium on oil tanker traffic, but they are not as interested in a permanent ban. British Columbians have made it clear that we want to keep the north coast oil-tanker free. Now it’s time for all federal parties to show leadership by securing a permanent tanker ban.

Comment by James Ippel on 14th May 2010 I take exception to the comment that "British Columbians have made it clear that we want to keep the north coast oil-tanker free." This is a statement, in my opinion, made by a minority of individuals, better refered to as enviro, or eco-terrorists. These are the people who are against everything that might in some was benefit mankind. The are against wind power, run of the river power, solar power, and tidal power, because in their limited brain capabilities they cannot understand, so it must be wrong. The also seem to be the people who are professional protesters, have unlimited gov't funding (called social assistance, ((or to the rednecks-welfare)).) There comes a point in time when we have to use common sense and do what is best for society in general. The time is going to come when we will need tanker travel on the north coast and in Douglas Channed. Get used to the fact, and hope that we will have the ability to control shipping by the use of modern technology and the use of ocean going tugs to control the tankers. It's coming, get used to the fact. We are a soceity that demands comfort, and in the end we will sacrifice a lot for comfort and convenience.....

This is not someone else’s problem

Comment by Shawn Ksisiiaks on 14th May 2010Imagine this everytime you fill up you tank.

If you not willing to accept the risks and consequences then don't do it.

Amateur Video Of Gulf Oil Slick

Comment by Stuart Horner on 12th May 2010Video is from Alabama resident John Wathen as a volunteer pilot flew him over the area where the oil rig sank.